I was the designer and coordinator of the building process for the modular O-gauge layout of CAMRC (Central Arkansas Model Railroad Club) based in Conway AR. We installed a dual-track MTH Lift Bridge across an intentional gap between two modules for aligning them with the bridge during set-up for trouble-free operation (including a circuit designed by a club member that would halt an oncoming train approaching the bridge in the UP position).
We adapted the track hold-in-place screw holes in the crossties of the four approach tracks to permit minor adjustments for alignment using small spacers/washers (up/down and left/right) when setting up the layout for public viewing. Curiously, every set-up was slightly different. probably because of slight irregularities in the concrete floor of the large room. That adjustment feature was very helpful.
The Lift Bridges were installed on a single-level layout without elevations, so maintaining alignment was relatively easy. Bridges are great attention-getters on a layout, and action bridges even more so. Kids are amazed when a train automatically STOPS before trying to cross a bridge when it's in the UP position. Then it resumes forward movement when the bridge is DOWN. It's magic ...
Mike M. LCCA 12394
